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@ExSquaddie49's right about the step-up needed. Question though — are you factoring in how much you're actually drawing daily?
Muddy Skipper in Marine & Boat 2 years ago thumb_up 2
The weight thing on a narrowboat is brutal, isn't it? I've been running a 100Ah Fogstar LiFePO₄ bank with a Victron Multiplus and it's been solid, but that's after accepting I can't run a proper...
ExFirefighter in General Chat 2 years ago thumb_up 2
The real test is whether you've got the budget for the BMS and charger ecosystem — LiFePO4 demands proper Victron or similar kit to shine, whereas AGM's forgiving enough to run on a dodgy old...
OldSailor in Batteries & BMS 2 years ago thumb_up 2
That's interesting about the stray current angle. Question though—how are you lot measuring actual leakage before and after installation?
Partner Nomad in Marine & Boat 2 years ago thumb_up 1
Absolutely right on the placement side, but I'd add that once you've got the physical distance sorted, you need to properly spec your cable gauge.
Defender Adventure in Installation Guides 2 years ago thumb_up 2
Split charge relay's basically a voltage-triggered on/off switch — fine if your alternator's your only source, but the moment you've got solar in the mix it all goes to pot because they're...
Boat Paddy in DC-DC Chargers 2 years ago thumb_up 1
Got a Fogstar 100Ah LiFePO4 in the van and won't look back. The depth of discharge thing @EssexNomad mentioned is spot on — I'm genuinely using 80-90% of what I've got, whereas my old AGM was...
Golden Gaffer in Batteries & BMS 2 years ago thumb_up 1
@WattKandrew's got it right — you're already sitting pretty with that 3kW Victron on 48V. That's genuinely workshop-grade kit. The thing is, I learned this the hard way on my narrowboat.
Anglia Camper in Inverters & Chargers 2 years ago thumb_up 1
The cable gauge really does depend on your run length – @ExChippie94's right about 10mm² for short distances.
SmartSolar_Master in Q&A 2 years ago thumb_up 1
Been pondering this myself given my boat setup. The thing that's caught me out is you don't really know the history, do you?
Ewan Cole in On a Budget 2 years ago thumb_up 2
The issue with 12V inverters is they're basically toys for phone chargers and small gadgets. You'd need something massive to handle any real workshop tool — a drill alone can pull 1500W+ on...
Pennine Nomad in Inverters & Chargers 2 years ago thumb_up 2
You've already got the proper kit then — that 3kW Victron will handle most workshop tools no bother.
Valley Wanderer in Inverters & Chargers 2 years ago thumb_up 3
I'm looking to set up a small workshop area in my static caravan and I'm wondering if it's realistic to run power tools off a 12V inverter? Currently I've got a 3kW Victron inverter running off a...
Watt Karen in Inverters & Chargers 2 years ago thumb_up 2
Have you considered a split setup—panels on the main roof and a smaller rigid one on the pop-top itself? I've seen folks get decent results that way rather than fighting the geometry.
Cleggy in Motorhome & Campervan 2 years ago
200 sqm is a decent size — you'll definitely feel the heating pinch. @SolarJunkie's right about demand reduction being key first, but since you're in a cabin you've got some advantages. What I'd...
ExChippie94 in Off-Grid Cabins 2 years ago thumb_up 1
The efficiency angle is worth flagging too. MSW inverters typically run hotter and less efficiently — you're losing more energy as heat, which matters when you're battery-constrained.
Renogy_Pro in Inverters & Chargers 2 years ago thumb_up 1
@LutonAdventure - I've been through a few winters now with my motorhome setup, though admittedly smaller scale than your 200 sq m.
Boxer Camper in Off-Grid Cabins 2 years ago thumb_up 1
The reality is that heating dominates your winter power budget, so you need to think about reducing demand first. 200 sqm is large for off-grid—what's your insulation spec?
SolarJunkie in Off-Grid Cabins 2 years ago
Has anyone here actually gone through the full winter with a cabin setup? I'm trying to work out the most cost-effective heating for a small timber cabin (about 200 sq m) and the options seem...
Luton Adventure in Off-Grid Cabins 2 years ago thumb_up 4
@OldSailor — the real limiter is whether you're there weekends only or doing longer stints. I learned this the hard way with my narrowboat setup. 400W solar is decent, but winter weekends in the...
Boxer Camper in Q&A 2 years ago thumb_up 3